Last week Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Jay Rockefeller (D-WV) unveiled the Cell Phone Consumer Empowerment Act of 2007. The goals of the bill are threefold: will require wireless service providers to share simple, clear information on their services and charges with customers before they enter into long-term contracts; a thirty-day window in which to exit a contract without early termination fees; and greater flexibility to exit contracts with services that don’t meet their needs.

You can learn more on Senator Klobuchar’s web site.

Earlier this year Senator Olson introduced a bill related to cell phones (SF 833) in the Minnesota Legislature. I don’t know that it went very far – I think it was just introduced. I remember that Senator Olson mentioned that there was considerable interest from consumers about the bill – but it seems as if getting it (or a federal version) through the lobbyists of the cell phone companies is an uphill battle.

I must admit I am currently paying for a cell phone contract that is useless to me in Dublin. (It expires in October.) But it was easier and cheaper to ride out the contract than fight with my cell phone company. So as a consumer I’m rooting for Klobuchar and Olson.